Braun, Young Say They Will Vote No On Raising Debt Limit

The Biden Administration says the government could default on its bills if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, but Sen. Mike Braun isn’t persuaded.  

“If we keep endorsing, lifting, debt ceilings, continuing resolutions, that's a disservice to the American public, not an aid,” Braun said.

Congress raised the debt ceiling three times while President Trump was in office, but Democrats apparently will have to go it alone this time. 

“Back in those days, as a Republican in the House Majority, we never failed to raise the debt limit, not once. We also never failed to have a say in the spending that necessitated the debt limit,” Sen. Todd Young said during a speech on the senate floor.

He said he opposes raising the limit this time because Republicans have had no say on spending.

President Biden wants Congress to pass a $3 trillion spending bill, which his administration says will be paid for with a tax on wealthier Americans and businesses. However, Braun argued there should be more revenue streams to help offset spending.

“But we've gotten rid of dedicated funding user fees, federal gas and diesel tax hasn't been raised since 1993, because we don't have the political will to do it,” said Braun.

Braun championed a diesel fuel tax while serving in the Indiana legislature which helped pay for road repairs around the state.  Unlike Indiana, the federal government does not have a balanced budget amendment.

The Senate can still vote to raise the debt ceiling under a process called reconciliation.  It would require all 50 Democrats voting yes, and Vice President Harris breaking the 50-50 tie.

If not all Democrats agree on raising the debt limit, the federal government could have a partial shut down starting Friday.